By Sean Duncan
Executive Director

There were big shakeups in the updated overall 2018 rankings recently. Many of the biggest risers in the expanded Top 400 list saw their stock skyrocket after their performances at the Future Games in early August.

Here’s a look at five prospects who jumped into the national limelight with their showing in front of 200-plus college coaches at Grand Park in Westfield, IN:

Jacob Maton, RHP, Glenwood HS (IL), 2018
Although highly ranked in Illinois, the 6-foot-3, 170-pound Maton wasn’t a well-known national prospect. He changed all that with two highly impressive outings, each one-inning stints. In fact, Maton was arguably the top pitcher at the entire Future Games, which is a big statement given the depth and talent at the event. Against Indiana, Maton sat 88-89 with his fastball, touching 90 once, but it was his slider that turned heads. What he previously classified as a cutter, Maton unveiled a slider that had sharp, late bite, thrown aggressively and around the zone at 78-80. He recorded a pair of strikeouts with his slider, which was unquestionably one of the best breaking balls at the event. His second outing was just as effective and impressive, sitting 87-89 with his fastball, and flashing that same sharp slider. Maton has a short, quick arm action and has yet to begin to fill into his frame. His delivery is simple, athletic and repeatable. Both his older brothers were draft picks. Maton jumped 54 spots up to No. 33 in the overall rankings.